David Galef

Brevity provides a broad overview of the many approaches to flash fiction. It begins with a brief introduction stating several basic principles to observe in writing flash fiction (e.g., get right to the point, focus on one telling detail, and end with an action or image). That is followed by 19 sections illustrating approaches writers could take in their writing. Examples include character sketches, diary entries, fables, prose poems, surrealism, and twists. Each section briefly explains the approach, followed by suggested exercises, published examples, and discussion questions.

Brevity will be most helpful in a group context where members could benefit from multiple viewpoints. Readers will need to attempt the suggested exercises and receive feedback from independent readers to gain the full benefit. The discussion questions following the examples would benefit from an exchange of perspectives. While I thought about the issues raised, discussing these examples in a classroom setting would lead to a more fruitful and informative discussion.

Brevity is an excellent sourcebook worthy of study by writers (and readers) interested in short-form fiction. I wish I had the opportunity to read it in a class setting where I could benefit from feedback about my attempts and the multiple views of the published works.… (mer)

A railway construction foreman whose glasses get destroyed ends up mis-directing the railroad construction into ponds, up trees, through barns, around cows, etc. The results turn out to be carnival-esque. [return][return]Shrug. A cute idea but in practice I was sort of annoyed. Why did the workers just follow the crazy instructions? Sure it's a children's story but it destroyed my suspension of disbelief! And practically all the characters were male (until the passengers at the end) -- workers, mayor, farmers, etc., which just makes me think the writer is sloppy and not very thoughtful. And I admit that I'm not much of a fan of Tedd Arnold's illustrations. So, not a big hit for me.… (mer)

A railway construction foreman whose glasses get destroyed ends up mis-directing the railroad construction into ponds, up trees, through barns, around cows, etc. The results turn out to be carnival-esque.

Shrug. A cute idea but in practice I was sort of annoyed. Why did the workers just follow the crazy instructions? Sure it's a children's story but it destroyed my suspension of disbelief! And practically all the characters were male (until the passengers at the end) -- workers, mayor, farmers, etc., which just makes me think the writer is sloppy and not very thoughtful. And I admit that I'm not much of a fan of Tedd Arnold's illustrations. So, not a big hit for me.… (mer)